In an effort to boost tourism, Asian countries have eased COVID-19 restrictions. You do not need a vaccination certificate or PCR test in many places but you must wear masks indoorsThe threat of COVID-19 has lessened in many Asian countries, leading to a tourism revival. Visitors can now enter without having their vaccination certificates or RT PCR tested for most destinations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world, but not all countries are as severely affected. In China for example they continue to have restrictions in place due to their zero-tolerance policy towards coronavirus infections which was successful during this latest crisis stage where it prevented the further spread of disease within country borders. Japan has also kept some restrictions in place on entry.
In many countries, masks are optional but they have to be worn indoors and in healthcare facilities.
If you are looking for the best countries to visit during your next vacation, then this list of 25 Asian countries should help. The COVID rules may change depending on what is happening in each country at any given time so make sure that when travelling there are aware of all current restrictions before going!
01. Armenia
Haghpat Monastery is a medieval monastery complex, built between the 10th and 13th centuries. The breathtaking Unesco World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Armenian religious architecture that represents a unique fusion between traditional designs from the region and the Byzantine Empire’s ecclesiastical style.
- Masks: Required in a few indoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Health Form: Not required
02. Azerbaijan
Juma Mosque in Shamakhi city is a major landmark and remains one of Azerbaijan’s largest places for worship. The current structure was reconstructed in 2013; however, there have been several earlier versions dating back as far as 743 CE which makes it the oldest in Azerbaijan and second oldest mosque in the Caucasus.
- Masks: Required in all public indoor areas, public transport and some outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required for vaccinated visitors on entry
- Health Form: Not required
- Vaccination: Passengers must either have a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery from COVID-19 along with a negative PCR test certificate which should not be older than 72 hours before departure
03. Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest is not only a Buddhist monastery but also an attraction for tourists looking to experience Bhutan in its glory. The tiger’s nest sits on narrow ledges and within caves 900 meters above the Paro valley. It offers breathtaking scenery as well as peace at any time you want!
- Masks: Required in all public transport, public indoor and certain outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required for the vaccinated. But unvaccinated travellers aged 12+ may be randomly tested
- Vaccination: No requirements
- Health Form: Not required
04. Cambodia
Angkor Wat is one of the most magnificent temples in all of Cambodia. This ancient structure was built by King Surya Varman II in 1200AD. The site consists of more than 1,000 buildings and it’s one of the great wonders.
- Masks: Required in public transport, all public indoor facilities and some outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Health Form: Not required
- Vaccination: Unvaccinated passengers will be subject to an Antigen Rapid Test on arrival at their own expense and fully vaccinated travellers must present an vaccination certificate and an A4 colour copy
- Insurance: Recommended but not Compulsory
05. China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring structures, spanning more than 13000 miles. It was constructed by the Qin Shi Huang emperor in 3rd venture B.C. who wanted to protect their country from invaders.
- Masks: Required in public transport, all public indoor and all outdoor areas. In the airport and during flights to China, passengers must wear a mask
- COVID-19 Test: Nucleic Acid or PCR test is required
- Vaccination: No requirements
- Health Form: Not required
- Entry restrictions: Passengers from Ethiopia, Italy, Belgium, India, Philippines, Ukraine, Russia or UK are not allowed to enter China
- Permission: Passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form and register online to obtain a ‘green health code’ or QR code before arrival
06. Georgia
Khertvisi Castle is one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia and it lies within Aspindza municipality. The oldest parts date back to the 10th century while the most recent additions were built in the 19th century.
- Masks: Required in a few indoor areas and on public transport
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Health Form: Not required
07. India
The Taj Mahal is one of India’s most famous landmarks and was built for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Alam in 1632. This mausoleum stands on the south bank next to river Yamuna in Agra where it can be seen as an ivory-white marble mausoleum.
- Masks: Required in public transport, all public indoor and all outdoor areas
- Vaccination: No requirement
- COVID-19 Test: Unvaccinated passengers aged 5+ must submit a negative RT-PCR test result 72 hours before departure on the Air Suvidha Portal while no test for vaccinated passengers with a vaccination certificate
- Health Form: Passengers are required to submit a Self-Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal before travelling and also should carry printed copies
08. Indonesia
The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple is an ancient lake temple that sits on the scenic waters of Lake Beratan. The 12-storey pagoda was built by the Balinese king of Mengwi back around 1633 and it’s actually situated inside what used to be a volcano!
- Masks: Required on public transport and in all public indoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required upon entry
- Vaccination: Required. Passengers aged 18+ must hold a Covid-19 vaccination certificate
- Health Form: Passengers are required to obtain a Health Alert Card before arrival
- Entry Restrictions: Limited stay visas and visitor visas issued by Indonesia Government to Indian nationals are suspended.
09. Israel
Israel and Jordan share a border, with the Dead Sea between them. The lowest point on earth at 394.6 meters below sea level makes this lake an interesting site to explore. The Dead Sea lake is a harsh environment for many things to live in including fish, but it has one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Negev Desert around.
- Masks: Required in a few public indoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Health Form: Passengers are required to complete an Israel Entry Form within ten days before their departure
- Insurance: Passengers must have medical insurance enough to cover the cost of treatment for Covid-19
10. Japan
The Chureito Pagoda is a unique Buddhist temple on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City. This peace memorial was built in 1963 as an act of gratitude for Japan’s recovery after World War II, and it has since become one of its most photographed destinations due to how beautifully positioned it sits beneath those intimidating snowy reaches!
- Masks: Required in public transport, public indoor and some outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: A printed negative test report is required within 72 hours before departure
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Passenger Locator Form: Passengers are required to download a video call app, location information-confirming app Covid-19 contact-confirming application to their phones
- Health Form: Passengers must present the generated QR code and complete an online questionnaire on arrival
- Entry Restrictions: Passengers are required to re-apply who have been issued a visa for Japan from 2nd December 2021
11. Jordan
The ancient monastery of Ad Deir is a stunning example of Nabataean architecture. Carved out from the rock, this structure was built during the first century AD in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra and still stands as an impressive sight to behold today despite its age!
- Masks: Required on public transport, public indoors and a few outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Health Form: Passengers are required to present the generated QR code before boarding and upon arrival along with a declaration form must be submitted online before departure
- Insurance: Passengers are required to have documented proof of health insurance to cover the cost of possible COVID-19 treatments
12. Lebanon
Tourists flock to the famous beach in Southern Lebanon known for its beautiful golden sand and crystal-clear water.
- Masks: Required in all outdoor areas, public transport and a public indoor area
- COVID-19 Test: Unvaccinated passengers aged 12+ must hold a negative PCR test result within 48 hours before departure while no requirement for passengers with a vaccination certificate. An antigen test result was tested within 24 hours before departure also required and the test should include a QR code as well
- Vaccination: Not required
- Health Form: Not required
13. Malaysia
The Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia are the tallest, and most popular landmarks for visitors to see. The interior motifs of the 451.9-metre building are designed to resemble local handicrafts as well as graphics from Islamic patterns which create an aesthetically pleasing look all throughout.
- Masks: Not required
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: Carry vaccination certificates meanwhile Unvaccinated passengers will be subject to Rapid Antigen Testing within 24 hours after their arrival in Malaysia
- Health Form: Not required
- Insurance: Not required
- Entry requirements: Passengers must have downloaded the app onto their phone and hold a “Traveler’s Card” obtained by registering with MySejahtera before departure
14. The Maldives
The Maldives is a country with 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean. It attracts visitors with its unique geography and marine life that are found nowhere else on Earth! The azure waters combined with pure white beaches make it an absolutely stunning place for tourists from all over to enjoy. It houses a thousand species of fish.
- Masks: Not required
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No requirement
- Health Form: Passengers must submit Traveller Health Declaration within 96 hours before departure and the TraceEkee app must download on the phone. Before exiting, travellers must complete a Traveller Health Declaration within 3 days of departure
15. Mongolia
The country of Mongolia offers a great combination between natural features and culture making it one of the best travel destinations. It’s one-of-a-kind as it has so much to offer in terms of scenery, untouched landscapes, nomadic lifestyle etc!
- Masks: Required in all public transport, public indoor and certain outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Health Form: Not required
- Vaccination: Not required
16. Nepal
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in Asia at 8,849 meters tall. This incredible height has made it a popular destination for adventure seekers from all over to challenge themselves! It was named after George Everest, who was once the Surveyor General of India.
- Masks: Required in some Regions
- Health Form: Not required
- COVID-19 Test: Negative Covid-19 test obtained within 72 hours before departure is required for unvaccinated passengers and the Test is not required for passengers with a vaccination certificate
- Form Requirements: Before travel, passengers must complete an International Online Arrival Form and hold the printed barcode generated
17. Oman
The largest mosque in Oman, The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the capital city of Muscat was built over a period of six years and seven months and completed in 2001.
- Masks: Required in all public transport and public indoor areas
- Health Form: Not required
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: Passengers aged 18+ should present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
18. Pakistan
Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth and one of Pakistan’s most famous mountains sits southeast from where it borders the northernmost bend of the Indus River in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Pakistan is a country that offers tourists an array of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature through mountaineering, trekking, wild boar hunting, white water rafting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, trout fishing, camel and yak safaris and bird watching
- Masks: Required in public transport, all public indoor and all outdoor areas
- COVID-19 Test: Unvaccinated must have a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before departure meanwhile not required for vaccinated passengers
- Vaccination: Passengers aged 18+ must show a Covid-19 vaccination certificate
- Passenger Locator Form: Before departure, passengers are required to submit their details online or using the PassTrack mobile app
- Form Requirements: Passengers must fill in their details online or using the PassTrack app before departure
19. The Philippines
Palawan is a must-see for any traveller! The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has some of the world’s most diverse and exotic cave systems, which you can explore on your very own boat ride through this incredible site. Further out in the Sulu Sea there is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park where marine life thrives.
- Masks: Compulsory during flights and at the airports
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: Required Digital or Hardcopy Proof of Vaccination
- Health Form: Register and complete the electronic Health Declaration Checklist (e-HDC) or One Health Pass before arrival
20. Saudi Arabia
The natural beauty of Al Ula is matched only by its cultural heritage. This remote region in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia holds an exceptional place in Arab culture.
- Masks: Not required but recommended inside Mosques
- Insurance: Required
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Vaccination: No need to present a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
21. Singapore
The country of Singapore is a melting pot for culture and history. It’s one the most visited destinations in Asia, with an amalgamation of fast-paced life combined with an off-street inheritance that makes it all come together beautifully!
- Masks: Required in public transport, public indoor areas and healthcare facilities and
- COVID-19 Test: Not required
- Insurance: Not required
- Health Form: 3 days before arrival, Electronic Singapore Arrival Card with Health Declaration must be submitted
- Vaccination: Certificate required. Travellers must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before arrival in Singapore
22. South Korea
- Masks: Required on public transportation, most public venues, airports and during their flight
- COVID-19 Test: Not required upon entry
- Vaccination: Passengers aged 18+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while Unvaccinated passengers must hold a valid negative RT-PCR test result with a QR code obtained within 48 hours before their boarding
- Health Form: A Health Declaration form must be completed before arrival
- Passenger Locator Form: Passengers are required to download the Self-quarantine Safety Protection App onto their phones
- Insurance: Not required
23. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation that has been the subject of many travellers’ dreams. The lush landscapes, golden beaches, rolling green tea gardens and majestic mountains are sure to leave your heart filled with joy, while Buddhist monasteries and other beautiful spots make Sri Lanka a great tourist destination.
- Masks: Required in public transport, outdoor areas and public indoor places
- Vaccination: Not Required for Travel
- Insurance: Required and passengers must have 1 month’s coverage of $75,000 insurance of COVID-19
- COVID-19 Test: Required. A negative Rapid Antigen test certificate is obtained 48 hours before departure or a Negative PCR certificate from tests taken 72 hours before departure.
24. Thailand
This small beach on the island of Ko Phi Phi Leh is an ideal destination for tourists looking to enjoy a relaxing day at sea. The bay was used as a filming site in “The Beach” to create an iconic image that has since become familiar around the world.
- Insurance: Not Required
- Masks: Advised to Wear a Mask
- COVID-19 Test: Not Required
- Vaccination: Not Required for Travel
25. Vietnam
Emerald waters, majestic caves and islands carved from limestone make Ha Long Bay a popular destination for trekking, climbing and scuba diving.
- Masks: Not Required
- Vaccination: Not Mandatory
- COVID-19 Test: Not Required
- Insurance: Required and should be enough to cover at least $10,000 worth of COVID-19 treatment.
